When using skincare, one of the factors that users are afraid of is that the product is not suitable for the skin. The side effects of the incompatibility are diverse, starting from minor irritations like redness and a feeling of warmth, pimples appearing in varying numbers, to severe irritation that may require the help of an expert or a dermatologist to deal with.
In a world where information is easily accessible, we can easily ask questions on the internet and social media about beauty and skin health, such as usage reviews or side effects that may result from a beauty product. Including how to deal with it. From there, we often hear terms related to skin problems.
The sudden appearance of pimples, which sometimes occur in large numbers, after using this skincare does not mean that it is only caused by incompatibility. This is often heard on social media; both foreigners and beauty influencers often say that acne growing after using skin care products can be a sign of cleansing and not a breakout.
What is purging, and what are breakouts on the face?
These terms are the effects or reactions of the skin to skin care or other beauty products. Purging means a facial skin reaction experiencing 'cleansing' and skin regeneration through skincare. This skin reaction is often shared with exfoliating products (removal of dead skin cells). Purging reactions will generally develop pimples in areas where pimples have previously grown. Purging acne usually clears up faster.
Taken from Healthline, purging events will activate skin cell turnover, so existing dead skin will peel off faster than usual. Then new skin cells appear on the surface to replace the dead skin cells released. But in the process, before the new skin cells appear on the surface, excess oil, sebum, dead skin residue, and accumulated dirt first appear on the skin surface. That's why purging could cause acne.
Unlike purging, acne resulting from breakouts is a reaction to incompatibility with skin care products. It's quite easy to find out. If pimples appear where there have never been before or if they appear from skin care products other than scrubs, chances are they are breakouts. Acne, due to breakouts, usually lasts 8-10 days from appearing until it shrinks.
Other things, such as excessive stress and unhealthy eating patterns, can also cause breakouts. Therefore, treating acne due to pimples should be adjusted according to the causative factors. If unsure, you can go to a dermatologist instead of trying to figure it out alone.
If you are in a state of purging or breakouts, you should be extra careful about the cleanliness of the facial skin. Start diligently washing your face twice a day to remove excess oil and dirt on your face, avoid physical contact such as touching or squeezing pimples as this can cause more severe inflammation, and choose and eat healthy foods.
So the bottom line of explaining the difference between purging and breakouts is the cause, how long acne grows, and how to treat it. I hope this explanation helps!